World Cup will throw up surprises, says Scolari

By Stuart MacLennan 2014-02-20 06:57:00 20140220

Falcao may be one of the players Scolari is referring to - Action Images

The upcoming World Cup will be wide open in terms of potential victors, according to host nation head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. Speaking at a coaches' workshop in the city of Florianapolis, 'Big Phil' suggested that there are several teams capable of taking home the trophy and hinted that one or two countries could spring surprises at this summer's tournament.

"I don't think we're going to have three favourites for the title," Scolari told reporters at the workshop, "Today, there are at least eight squads that can fight for the title. Now, one of those favourites is us. Everybody knows it."

"And players, we have really good players (coming to the tournament) that we already know. Like Cristiano, Messi, Neymar and others."

"There are a few young players that come here, like a few players from Belgium that are on the global market, big players that could surprise us."